Connecting QC youth with jobs

Hundreds of young adults attended the QC Mayors' Young Adult Hiring Fair on Tuesday, Feb. 21. Held at Bettendorf's Waterfront Convention Center, the aspring adults had the opportunity to meet with Quad Cities area businesses to learn more about the diverse job opportunities available in the Quad Cities. 

Young professionals ages 16-24 met with over 60 QC companies searching for part-time, full-time, summer and seasonal positions, with some even extending interviews and job offers during the event. Available positions ranged from apprenticeship opportunities and military recruiters to healthcare and education. 

Student Isabelle Reyes said, "I found some really great places I'm interested in working at. I'm surprised that there are so many companies here today."

For many Quad Cities businesses, job fairs like this one are integral to gaining exposure with young people. 

SAL Family and Community Services HR Director Lisa Gerhardt said the event helps show the wide range of services that SAL provides. "It's important for us to gain exposure because most people don't know the full range of services we offer. They know that we offer Skip-a-Long daycare centers, but that's just a portion of what we do. We offer homecare child provider services, an early headstart program for expecting mothers and we also support immigrants and refugees in the Quad Cities area."

Quad Cities mayors attended the event. Mayor Thoms shared his thoughts on the hiring fair, "How can we help keep youth here in the Quad Cities? That's a very important point, to show that there are opportunities here in the Quad Cities to not only work, but raise a family."

Organizing Comittee

American Job Center, IowaWORKS, Davenport Community School District, North Scott Community School District, Pleasant Valley Community School District, Black Hawk College, Eastern Iowa Community Colleges, The Moline Foundation and Quad Cities Chamber.